The Texas Agricultural Economy


Reconstruction and Frontiers The Texas Agricultural Economy
Students first brainstorm the purpose of an unidentified farm machine (cotton compressor). Then they learn about the rise of commercial farming in Texas. Next they examine basic economic concepts, such as supply, demand, and competition, and apply them to commercial farming in Texas. Finally they read about modern agriculture in Texas and create a map of agricultural activity.

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Overview

In this experience, students first brainstorm the purpose of an unidentified farm machine (cotton compressor). Then they learn about the rise of commercial farming in Texas. Next they examine basic economic concepts, such as supply, demand, and competition, and apply them to commercial farming in Texas. Finally they read about modern agriculture in Texas and create a map of agricultural activity.

Estimated duration: 45-55 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • commercial
  • enterprise
  • compete

Objectives

  • Describe how Texans made a living farming.
  • Explain basic economic principles.


Engage


Cotton was the main crop grown in Texas throughout most of the nineteenth century. The number of farms grew quickly after the Civil War. After the war, plantation owners had to learn how to farm the land without using slave labor. New machines were invented that helped farmers increase their production.

Objectives

  • Describe how Texans made a living farming.
  • Explain basic economic principles.


drawing of a farm machine of unknown size and purpose

Look at the picture of a plan for a farming machine. Use your imagination and describe what you think that the machine is designed to do.



Give students a few minutes to enjoy one another’s answers.

The drawing is from a patent application for a cotton compressor by Texan George Taylor in 1887. According to the patent, “This invention relates to apparatus for compressing bales of cotton and for similar purposes.” By significantly reducing the size of cotton bales, the price of shipping dropped and made cotton a more profitable crop to grow.


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